DIY Spring Car Maintenance: 7 Tips That Help Extend Your Car's Life
Winter is hard on all of us and your vehicle is no exception! When spring arrives, we're ready to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature.
That means making plans for road trips and sunny vacations. So, while spring and summer are gearing up, it's time to banish Old Man Winter's effect on your car.
These 7 routine seasonal maintenance tips are the cornerstone for ensuring your car's continued smooth running performance. Best of all, you can easily do them yourself!
Check Coolant and Fluids
Avoid costly engine damage by making regular coolant checks. What better time to do that than spring? Coolant costs between $8-$12 per gallon, a small price to pay to preserve your engine, or at the very least, your radiator.
Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of a road during vacation because of engine trouble. Take a few minutes and check coolants!
Fluid Checks
Neglecting fluid checks can cause serious harm to your car. Make sure you check the brake fluid, transmission fluid, and oil. Replace as needed.
Wash and Wax
Surprised to see this one? Think about it. Winter is brutal with the onslaught of slush, snow and ice, and salt. Make sure you wash and clean the underside of your vehicle. If necessary, applying rust proofing can add an additional shield against harsh elements.
Change Windshield Wipers
From sleet to salt, the elements are hard on wipers. Replace them for optimal performance!
Battery Voltage Check
A battery load test will tell you the health of your battery. Quickly find out whether you need a new one or not.
Interior
You know those snowy boots you wore when you drove your car last winter? They most likely had salt chemicals mixed in with the snow. Because salt is so corrosive, consider renting a steam cleaner for less than $25 and rid yourself of winter's damage.
Tire Maintenance
Check your tires! You want to make sure they remain in their recommended pressure range, typically, 30-32 psi. How are the treads? Make sure they have not worn down. If you didn't use all season tires, then remove them.
These sound like such simple steps to take, and they are! When your vehicle needs more attention than these steps, stop in and see the staff at the Joe Bowman service repair shop. Learn more about us here.
